Original 1926 Illustrated Map Of Hundred-Acre Woods Sold In London City

The original illustrated map of Winnie-the-Pooh created in 1926 was auctioned at a record-breaking price of £430,000 in London City.

Hundred-Acre Woods

The hand-drawn map by E.H. Shephard was sold at Sotheby’s in London City features famous characters such as Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh himself, as well as popular landmarks like Eeyore’s Gloomy Place and Bee Tree.

Shephard’sillustrations helped popularized the book by English author A.A. Mine.

It Started With A Book

A.A. Mines first published Winnie-the-Pooh in 1926, a collection of short stories about the anthropomorphicteddy bear also known as Pooh Bear. The House at Pooh Corner then followed it in 1928. In 1924, the author released a poem about Winnie-the-Pooh in the children’s book called When We Were Young, and more works in Now We Are Six in 1927. The same person who made the record breaking London City illustrated map—E.H. Shephard, created all the illustrations.

Inspiration

Winnie-the-Pooh was inspired by the author’s son’s teddy bear. The son himself, Christopher Robin Mine, was the inspiration for Christopher Robin. The other well-loved characters such as Eeyore, Tigger, Kanga, Roo, and Piglet were based on his toys as well.

The name Winnie came from the Canadian black bear that they used to see at the London Zoo. Winnie was named as such after Lieutenant Harry Colebourn adopted him. He was named after the man’s hometown, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Pooh was the name of the swan that they met when they were on a holiday.

The Bear In The Red Shirt

Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends first appeared in color in 1932 thanks to Stephen Slesinger. He bought the television, merchandising, recording, and trade rights to Winnie-the-Pooh two years prior for $1000 in advance and 66% of his income. In 1940, Agnes Bush made the first plush Winnie-the-Pooh toy featuring his red shirt.

Worldwide Popularity

Due to its popularity, the books and its characters were widely accepted throughout the world and have been translated into many different languages. One notable translation was Winnie ille Pu by Alexander Lenard in 1958. Two years later, it became the only Latin book that was featured on The New York Times Best Seller.